Fiat 128 Pulsar

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 128 Pulsar, created by the renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti in 1971, is an innovative concept car that blends cutting-edge safety features with stylish design. Built on the platform and mechanical components of the Fiat 128 Coupé, the Pulsar was a bold vision of what a modern, safe, and stylish car could be. Its debut came at the 1971 Turin Motor Show, where it was presented in a striking bright yellow color—chosen not only for its visual appeal but also for its practicality. Yellow, as Michelotti recognized, provided greater visibility in traffic, making the car safer for both drivers and pedestrians. This thoughtful consideration of safety through visibility was ahead of its time, as today, many motorcyclists wear bright yellow helmets and garments for the same reason. The Fiat 128 Pulsar was later repainted in red and showcased again in 1972, reinforcing its status as a forward-thinking concept. The car’s design is characterized by a wedge-shaped body with two doors, and a rear window that rises upwards to add a sense of dynamism to the overall profile. The retractable headlights further enhance the sleek, modern look, providing both functional and aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Fiat 128 Pulsar retained the dashboard from the Fiat 128, with minimal changes, reflecting the simplicity and practicality of the design. Mechanically, the Fiat 128 Pulsar shared the same 1300 cc engine as the Fiat 128 Coupé, producing 75 horsepower. This engine offered a balance of performance and efficiency, complementing the car’s innovative design. Michelotti’s focus on passenger safety was evident in the integrated shock-absorbing bumpers and lateral protection features, making the Pulsar one of the early concept cars to prioritize safety without compromising on style or performance. The Fiat 128 Pulsar remains an iconic example of 1970s automotive design, showcasing Michelotti’s ability to combine aesthetics, innovation, and safety in a single, striking package. Though it never made it into production, its impact on automotive design—particularly in terms of visibility and safety—was far-reaching, influencing the design of future cars and contributing to the ongoing dialogue about passenger protection in the automotive world.